Ancient History shows how Paganism and Christianity contradict each other and fought for their existence. Christmas for many people is a merry celebration, where kids and adults alike give and receive presents from their love ones, friends and families. With
seasonal flags all over we know that Christmas, is the most celebrated season celebrated globally by almost everyone.
However, there are ancient customs that barely survived in the rural parts of Australia, Switzerland, Bavaria, Slovenia, Western Croatia and Italy that will turn every Christmas season scary. Krampus and Perchten are one of those that still exist up to this day with interpretations like that of a Halloween celebration.
Being part of a European tradition, Krampus is one of closely related figures who accompanied Saint Nicholas. In the Alpine regions, Krampus is represented by an incubus , a Demon in male form are supposed to lie upon with sleepers, especially women, in order to have sexual intercourse with them, according to a number of mythological and legendary traditions.
During the first weeks of December, young men would dress up using wooden masks or Larve, sheep's skin and horns, to look just like Krampus. They roam around frightening children even adults too with rusty chains and bells. There are also rural parts in the Alps that include slight birching specially of young women. It is typically applied to the recipient's bare buttocks, although occasionally to the back and or shoulders using a birch rod of Krampus.
Perchten however is observed during the last week of December and first week of January. The costume consists of a brown wooden mask and brown or white sheep's skin. Perchten was originally derived from the German word peraht which meant as a warning against the sin of vanity. It is associated with midwinter and the embodiment of fate and the souls of the dead. Indeed, a scary way of celebrating the Christmas season.
It might be fun for some but as for me I'd like Christmas or the whole weeks of December to remain a season of giving and love, never would I want to observe it frightening children nor hurting women. Wouldn't it be better if the
seasonal flags for Christmas to always remain as symbols of a joyful festivity in the eyes of both the young and old.
by:
The Flagman
